MUMBAI: Pushpa Impossible actress Indraxi Kanjilal, known for her grounded personality, recently opened up about her childhood and the pressures she faced at a very young age. In a candid moment of self-reflection, she shared what she would say to her younger self if she could turn back time.“If I could go back in time and talk to my younger self, I’d probably choose the time when I was in 4th or 5th standard — around 9 or 10 years old,” Indraxi said.
“Even at that age, I was taking a lot of pressure. There was a lot of competition, and people around me would often rub their achievements in my face whenever they did something better. I didn’t like that.”She recalled how, despite her young age, the need to maintain a competitive edge weighed heavily on her. “My parents also had high expectations, which made me push myself even harder. That’s when I developed this ‘perfect syndrome’ — I started doing everything perfectly, or at least trying to. I was too hard on myself.”
Looking back, Indraxi wishes she could tell her younger self to relax and enjoy those fleeting years of childhood. “I’d tell her not to be so serious all the time. Life doesn’t always have to be about pressure or perfection. You won’t get that age back again. My younger self took everything too seriously, never joked much, barely spoke to anyone, and only had 3-4 friends."
Reflecting on the present day, Indraxi notes that while the nature of pressures on young people has evolved, the intensity remains as strong as ever. “Today’s children and teenagers face a unique set of challenges that previous generations didn’t have to deal with. With the rise of social media and constant digital connectivity, the competition is no longer just academic or physical — it’s also about image, validation, and keeping up with online personas. The pressure to present a perfect life, to excel in every area, and to constantly compare oneself with others can be overwhelming.”
She emphasizes the mental toll this can take: “This digital age, while full of opportunities, also exposes young minds to cyberbullying, unrealistic standards, and a relentless fear of missing out. The need for perfection is still very real, but it’s compounded by the fear of judgement in a very public way. Because of this, it’s more important than ever to encourage young people to embrace their imperfections and vulnerabilities.”
Indraxi further advocates for a balanced approach to childhood and growth: “We need to remind them to pause and enjoy life’s simple joys — to play freely, laugh without restraint, and nurture genuine relationships without the shadow of competition hanging over them. Mental well-being should be prioritized just as much as physical health, and fostering self-compassion can help create a generation that is stronger, happier, and more resilient.”
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